Gyang Zi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Plateau North senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has withdrawn from the party’s ongoing primary election and demanded N10 billion in damages over what he described as a defamatory publication tagging him “not cleared.”
In a letter dated May 18, 2026, and addressed to the APC National Chairman, Zi alleged that his name was published on the party’s official X handle and social media platforms among aspirants disqualified for the Plateau North Senatorial District primary without any explanation.
According to him, the publication was made despite his payment for nomination and expression of interest forms, as well as his participation in the screening exercise.
Zi, through his chambers, Gyang Zi SAN & Co., said the development had damaged his reputation and exposed him to public ridicule among supporters and political associates across Plateau North and beyond.
“The publication portraying me as ‘not cleared’ without justification has greatly injured my reputation, subjected me to public ridicule, and destabilised my supporters and political structure,” the letter read in part.
The aspirant, who is contesting the Plateau North Senatorial seat, said the action had also affected his legal career and public standing.
He subsequently announced his withdrawal from the primary election pending what he described as a public apology, immediate retraction of the publication, and compensation from the party.
Zi is demanding N10 billion as damages for alleged defamation, emotional distress and reputational harm.
He warned that failure to meet his demands within a reasonable time would leave him with no option but to pursue legal action against the party and all individuals connected to the publication.